POLICE are appealing for information after two birds of prey were found dead near Aylburton.

One of the two birds found next to a bus stop just south of the village on the A48 was an unusually old Goshawk.

The other bird was a Sparrowhawk.

They were found by a member of the public on Monday, April 25.

The male Goshawk was just under 17 years old.

In the wild the birds have a life expectancy of around 11 years.

X-rays show that the Goshawk had been shot with a shotgun.

The cause of death has not yet been established for the male Sparrowhawk however post mortems will take place on both birds.

PC Cath McDay said: “This is an awful crime under the Countryside and Wildlife Act 1981, to truly special birds.

“The Goshawk had managed to live to an exceptional age only for his life to be ended like this.”

Enquiries are ongoing and investigating officers are asking anyone with information on the incident to get in contact.

Information can be submitted by completing the a form on the Gloucestershire Police website, quoting incident number 130 of April 25.

Alternatively, you can call 101 and quote the same incident number or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.